Costovertebral Angle
Also written as CVA.
“What are the three cardinal signs of pyelonephritis on examination?” (Costovertebral angle tenderness, fever, urinary symptoms).
What our notes say
- “What are the three cardinal signs of pyelonephritis on examination?” (Costovertebral angle tenderness, fever, urinary symptoms). (Urinary tract infection and pyelonephritis)
- On physical examination her temperature is 38.4°C and there is right costovertebral angle tenderness. (renal pathology — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- On physical examination there is tenderness on percussion of his right costovertebral angle. (hematopathology — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- | Genitourinary | *Costovertebral angle tenderness, suprapubic tenderness, discharge?* | CVA tenderness → pyelonephritis; discharge → STI‑related urethritis. | (Antimicrobial selection, stewardship and resistance)
- | Costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness | Positive CVA tenderness | Inflammation of renal capsule or parenchyma (pyelonephritis). | (Urinary tract infection and pyelonephritis)
- Tenderness on percussion of right costovertebral angle. (Hematology MCQs)
Study material on Costovertebral Angle
Practice questions on Costovertebral Angle
**A patient presents with a deep stab wound high up in the costovertebral angle beneath the 12th rib on the left side. The most likely internal injury is?**
- laceration of the infra-renal aorta
- laceration of the right renal vascular pedicle
- puncture of the 3rd part of the duodenum
- puncture of the 4th part of the duodenum
- pneumothorax of the left lung
Answer: E. ** The pleura extends below the 12th rib in the costovertebral angle, making pneumothorax the most likely injury. ---